Critical Essays on Dagaaba Rhetoric (American University Studies VII: Theology and Religion) Book

The Third Basic Instinct: How Religion Doesn't Get You by Alex S. Key

"The Third Basic Instinct..." is an accessible book about the three basic instincts that defines us as humans. It also takes a look at personal beliefs systems and how religion interferes with our human nature. This 308-page book is composed of the following four parts: 1. Why Basic Instincts?, 2. The Origin of Gods, 3. Selfish Morality, and 4.Unnatural Selection.

Positives:
1. A well written, interesting, page-turning book that was fun to read.
2. Well researched, plenty of fascinating facts throughout the book.
3. A clever look at our three basic instincts.
4. Plenty of brain candy in this book. In other words, a lot of interesting facts regarding how our brains work at an accessible level.
5. The psychological keys to marketing.
6. The tale of the evil Wedge Document.
7. Honestly, where would we be without evolution?
8. Simply, "You are your brain and your brain is you."
9. Great scientific and even presidential quotes abound.
10. The importance of nature and nurture.
11. Anthropology...you gotta' love it.
12. Evolutionary psychology .
13. An interesting look at our beliefs. How belief systems were created.
14. Want to know what animal is the biggest killer of humans? Find out...
15. A surprisingly interesting look at religion.
16. Even cool history...who knew?
17. Good arguments in defense of evolution and against Intelligent Design.
18. The concept of original sin?
19. So many religions so little time.
20. The concept of denial explained.
21. Top Ten If God Existed list...it's good.
22. Superstition.
23. The platinum rule.
24. Delayed gratification.
25. Evolutionary morality.
26. Memes...
27. Separation of church and state.
28. Levels of thinking.
29. Unnatural selection.
30. Religious wars.
31. So much wisdom in one book.
32. Excellent Appendix.
33. The super low Kindle price makes this book a bargain.
34. Links worked great.

Negatives:
1. Theists will have a tough time with this book.
2. Illustrations or charts would have added value.

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very satisfying and enlightening read. So much good information in just one book; it's a real page turner. If you are looking for an accessible book that will educate and enlighten you about our beliefs this is a surprisingly good book. I want to thank Mr. Key for a wonderful read. Bravo!

Recommendations: "Human" by Michael S. Gazzaniga, "Hardwired Behavior: What Neuroscience Reveals about Morality" by Laurence Tancredi, "Supersense" by Bruce M. Hood, "The Brain and the Meaning of Life" by Paul Thagard, and "Science under Siege" by Kendrick Frazier.